As a member of the Mandel Communications team, I’m fortunate to be the dedicated Moderator/Blogger for the Mandel’s My developerWorks Group.I thought I’d share a few stories with you about people we’ve worked with and how being a more confident, effective presenter changed their lives.

Let’s start with a story about someone I’ll call “Candie”.Yep.Me.Really.

My undergraduate degree was in Math and Master’s in Computer Science.I guess I’ve always been a geek.I was in marching band and the math club in school.I never took a speech class.No way!I was scared to death of speaking in front of people.When I joined Bell Labs as a software engineer I was happy to just sit in front of my computer all day long except for lunchtime when I could talk with the other engineers about Star Trek.

One day my boss made me sign up for a 2-day Presentation Skills class. Yikes!I had to be videotaped speaking in front of a class.It was painful. The trainer gave me candid, caring, clear feedback and helped me build my confidence.The class tapped into something deep inside me and I found I really enjoyed presenting!

I started to take advantage of every opportunity to present.Managers started to notice.It was rare in those days to find someone who was technically competent andenjoyed presenting!Soon I was tapped for more customer-facing assignments and I worked as a Systems Engineer, SE Manager, Briefing Center Manager, Product Manager, Director of Professional Services, Executive Staff Director, and (20 years later…) Director of Strategic Marketing and Sales Support Programs!

And it’s all because of that two-day Presentation Skills class.It unlocked a door for me that changed my career, my earnings potential, and my life.In 2001 I had an opportunity to leave the Bell System and strike out on my own.I was crystal clear about what I wanted to do; change lives by helping others find their “inner presenter”.Just like that trainer/coach had done for me.

So that’s my story and that’s why I joined Mandel Communications.Mandel is committed to helping people look as smart as they are!I love what I do.I get to work with the most interesting people including engineers, salespeople, managers, and executives.We believe we’re changing lives.Maybe yours…..